Newark Police seize guns during weekend arrests

Kasim Fate, Kassim Fleming and Robert Jones (left to right) were all arrested by Newark Police during a series of gun take downs this weekend.Courtesy Newark Police

NEWARK — Newark Police recovered four handguns and made five arrests during a series of weekend take downs, police officials said.

Around 1 a.m. Friday, officers working alongside investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stopped 27-year-old Newark resident Kassim Fleming and discovered a loaded .22-caliber revolver in his car, said detective Todd McClendon, a city police spokesman. Fleming was arrested on weapons charges.

On Friday afternoon, officers from the department's fugitive apprehension unit approached Devon Reid, a 19-year-old Plainfield resident who was wanted for an unspecified crime, according to McClendon. Reid tried to flee and tossed a loaded .38 caliber handgun as he ran from police, but was arrested a short time later, McClendon said.

Hours later, early Saturday morning, police captured 19 year-old Newark resident Ojore Reeder and found him in possession of several decks of heroin and a loaded handgun near Delavan Avenue, McClendon said.

The final arrest took place around 7 p.m. Saturday following the gunpoint robbery of a 16-year-old on Komorn Street, McClendon said. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and canvassed for suspects, eventually finding two men who fit the description of the thieves near Oxford and Ferry streets.

Robert Jones, 22, of Newark tried to discard a loaded gun and was arrested a short time later alongside 19-year-old Newark resident Kasim Fate, McClendon said.

"I am pleased that our initiatives and strategies for removing guns from our streets continue to be very successful," Police Director Samuel DeMaio said in a statement. "I applaud our officers who are risking their lives and safety on a daily basis to help ensure the safety of our community."